Texas Tech student killed in Austin shooting FBI calls ‘potential’ terrorism

To Texas college student was recognized as one of many victims gunned down by a suspected terrorist at a preferred bar over the weekend.

Ryder Harrington, a student at Texas Tech University, was killed by gunfire at Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden in Austin on Sunday morningin accordance with a GoFundMe web page created by his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi.

“Ryder was a beloved son, brother, and friend whose kindness and presence touched countless lives,” the tribute mentioned. “From the moment I joined our brotherhood, I brought a light that was impossible to ignore.”

Harrington and one additional victim were killed and 14 others injured after Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old naturalized US citizen born in Senegal who lived in Pflugerville, Texas, opened hearth on the favored nightlife hub close to the University of Texas at Austin simply after 2 am Sunday.

According to Police Chief Lisa Davis, the gunman “put his flashers on, rolled down his window and began using a pistol shooting out of his car windows, striking patterns of the bar that were on the patio and that were in front of the bar.”

From there, the gunman drove westbound on Sixth Street to Wood Street, parked his automobile and exited holding a rifle whereas persevering with to shoot at pedestrians. He by no means entered the bar.

The gunman was then shot and killed by police on the scene.

The F.B.I. has since revealed the shooting was a potential act of terrorism.

“Obviously, it’s still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and in his vehicle that indicate potential nexus to terrorism,” Alex Dorn, appearing particular agent in cost of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office, mentioned at a press convention Sunday.

“Again, it’s still too early to make a determination on that. That’s why we are investigating it very closely with our partners with Austin police department,” Dorn added.

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Authorities investigating outdoors of Buford’s bar on March 1, 2026, in Austin, Texas. Two persons are lifeless, and 14 others hospitalized following a mass shooting early Sunday morning. The gunman was additionally shot and killed. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Dorn additionally mentioned the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force has been deployed to assist in the investigation.

“We’re just at this point prepared to say that it was potentially an act of terrorism,” he mentioned.

As the investigation unfolds, Harrington’s family members proceed to mourn the lack of the faculty student and fraternity member.

Texas House of Representatives Speaker Dustin Burrows penned an emotional assertion to social mediarevealing Harrington was the brother-in-law of a member of his political staff.

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Federal brokers comb the scene of a possible terrorist assault shooting in Austin, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Getty Images)

“From all accounts, Ryder was exactly the kind of young man who made a difference without even trying—full of life, loyal to his friends, proud to be a Red Raider and a Texan, and someone who showed up for the people around him,” Burrows wrote.

Additionally, Chancellor Emeritus of the Texas Tech University System and former Texas senator Kent Hance additionally condemned the violent act and supplied his condolences.

“Ryder Harrington was murdered in Austin by a terrorist,” Hance posted to X. “Ryder was an outstanding young man. I’ve talked to several people who knew him and everyone had nothing but praise for him and his character.”

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Texas Tech University didn’t instantly reply to Fox News Digital’s request for remark.

“Ryder had a rare ability to truly enjoy life to make people laugh, to make moments feel bigger, and to make ordinary days unforgettable,” the tribute added. “If anyone embodied what it meant to live fully and love deeply, it was Ryder.”

Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion contributed to this report.

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